People trapped in Japanese mall hit by earthquake, with others missing after factory chimney collapse

Key Points:

• A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto, Japan, causing severe shaking of high-rise buildings like the REF Kumamoto hotel and extensive damage to structures including the Aeon Mall, where the second floor collapsed trapping many inside.
• Over 40,000 households across Kyushu island are without power, with widespread outages of electricity and water reported in towns such as Hikawa, affecting critical facilities like town halls.
• Multiple videos verified show dramatic scenes inside a Costco warehouse with falling pallets and frightened shoppers, as well as damaged facades and debris at the Aeon Mall; police report 20-30 mall employees missing and emergency workers conducting rescue operations.
• Japan's Meteorological Agency recorded 61 aftershocks following the main quake, and authorities warn residents to remain vigilant for further tremors, referencing deadly events from 2016 in the same region.
• Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has mobilized 3,600 Self-Defence Forces personnel to disaster areas, emphasizing a "human life first" approach as rescue and damage assessment efforts continue through the night.